Congratulations! Your new Doodle is finally at home with you! You’ve probably heard this plenty of times before, but your fluffy sidekick is going to change your life for the better—I promise! Despite their small and cute size, your puppy will come with a load of big surprises, accidents, and fun adventures.

Since Mini Goldendoodles are a cross between the Goldendoodle and Poodle breeds, you’ll be dealing with a spunky, high-spirited puppy that is always on the go! Sometimes, you may even find yourself scratching your head in confusion. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone! 

There are many Doodle parents out there who are asking the almighty Google, “when should I take my Mini Doodle to the vet?” or “how much can I feed my Mini Doodle puppy?”.

Luckily, this blog serves as a guide to common questions you may have about your feisty Mini Goldendoodle!

1.How much do Mini Goldendoodles eat?

Mini Goldendoodle puppies are no different from any other breed when it comes to nutrition. To help your cuddly friend grow healthy and strong, they need a high-calorie, well-balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients and vitamins to support their growing body.

I recommend speaking with a vet for the best advice on how much your Mini Goldendoodle needs to eat. Doodle puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs. 

For an 8-12 week puppy, the recommended daily amount is ½ cup at least 2 to 3 times a day. You can space these times out in different intervals, such as breakfast, lunch, supper, and late-night meals. 

As your puppy grows older, you can gradually decrease the frequency and increase the amount of food. For example, a 5-month-old Mini Doodle should be fed ⅔ cup to 1 full cup of puppy food 1-2 times a day. 

Again, I highly recommend speaking with your vet so that they can assess your puppy’s nutritional needs based on its age and size. 

Since Mini Goldendoodles are an active dog breed, the kinds of food your puppy eats are also very important. Mini Doodles require foods with high-quality protein, vitamins, and mineral sources.

The best puppy food brands contain the following:

• High-quality protein: The best types of protein for your puppy include chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and pork. These foods stimulate your puppy’s growth and development, helping them grow stronger nails, muscles, and tendons. 
• Essential nutrients: Nutrients such as flaxseed, liver, and fish oils provide numerous long-term and short-term benefits for your Doodle’s health. For example, salmon is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids, which supports your puppy’s immune system. 
• Necessary vitamins: Vitamins are a crucial component of your puppy’s health. Your puppy needs a variety of different vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Please remember that your Doodle will need these vitamins in varying amounts than humans do.

Check each puppy food brand’s packaging label to see whether it meets the nutritional needs of your Doodle. Many food brands advertise themselves as “healthy” but contain low-quality ingredients that won’t aid your puppy’s growth in the long run. 

Your puppy should not be consuming food that contains artificial ingredients or preservatives that can be harmful to them. As for the best puppy food brands, I highly recommend feeding your adorable Doodle Royal Canin dry dog food. 

I personally use Royal Canin for my fur babies and its nutritious ingredients have kept them healthy and strong over the years. It also tastes delicious for canine taste buds—my Mini Doodles never miss a meal!

2. When can you change your Mini Goldendoodle’s food?

Like all puppies, your Mini Doodle never stops growing. And at their current age, your puppy is growing faster than ever. I cannot emphasize enough how important maintaining your Doodle’s nutrition is. 

Proper nutrition helps your puppy grow into the loveable, fluffy dog you know and love! If you’re planning to switch your Doodle’s food to one that’s most appropriate for their age and size, you need to be careful with how you handle it. 

Sometimes, switching your dog’s food suddenly can lead to stomach issues, like vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Any time you change your Doodle’s food, you should plan out a smooth transition to the new diet. 

Give your spunky Mini Doodle’s tummy time to adjust to the changes. Here’s what you can do to make the transition easier for your furry friend:

• Combine a huge amount of your puppy’s old food with ¼ of their new food during the first 2-3 days. 
• After the third day, give your Doodle equal amounts of their new and old puppy food. Do this for 2-3 days.
• Mix ¾ of your puppy’s new food with ¼ of their old food. Repeat this for 2-3 days.
• After this, your Doodle should be able to handle their new food only.

3. When is your Mini Goldendoodle due for its new set of vaccines?

Getting your Doodle vaccinated is the most important thing you can do for their health. They provide your puppy with strong protection against countless life-threatening diseases, such as rabies and canine distemper.

Vaccinating your puppy also prevents costly vet bills, avoids the transmission of deadly diseases between your Doodle and humans, and keeps you in compliance with state laws and regulations. 

Here’s a quick overview of your puppy’s recommended vaccinations:

• 8 weeks: DHPP vaccine (canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus), canine influenza and bordetella (oral)
• 11-14 weeks: DHPP vaccine (canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
• 17 weeks: DHPP vaccine (canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus) and rabies*

*Note: vaccination against rabies is mandated by law in most states. Influenza and Bordetella may also be required twice a year by groomers and dog boarding locations. 

It all depends on your Doodle’s lifestyle and energy level but I always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I also recommend getting your fluffy sidekick on SIMPERICA TRIO. 

It’s a monthly, prescription-only medicine that protects your Doodle against heartworm disease, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. Ask your vet about it on your first visit. 

4. How soon should you schedule a vet appointment after taking your Mini Goldendoodle puppy home?

Your veterinarian will become one of the most important people in your puppy’s life. Taking your Doodle to the vet regularly helps you keep them in good shape. You should take your puppy on its first vet visit after you take them home. 

The sooner you take your furry friend to the vet, the better. Your vet can then perform a checkup on your Mini Doodle, assess its health needs, and establish a vaccination and deworming treatment schedule.

Your cuddly puppy also benefits from seeing its vet regularly because it’ll grow used to being handled and examined by another person.

Most vets perform a health checkup and deworming treatment first before starting a vaccination routine. Your Doodle will likely start receiving vaccinations at around 6-8 weeks of age.

Be sure to follow up with your vet after every appointment. Keep their recommendations in mind so that your energetic fur baby receives the most protection possible.

5. What kind of parasite protection does your Mini Doodle need?

Like all puppies, Mini Doodles enjoy being outside to bask in the sights, sounds, and smells of the whole world. Your Doodle will enjoy chasing after that pesky butterfly that always seems to escape its nips, exploring the flower beds in your garden, and even rolling around in the dirt.

These activities may seem innocent from a far-away glance but there are countless hidden dangers lurking in your backyard’s dirt and vegetation. 

Bacteria, parasites, and other pests usually wait in these areas for their next host. And once your poor Doodle puppy is infected, these pests can make them very sick. 

Parasite protection offers the best solution for protecting your Mini Doodle. The term “parasitic protection” refers to treatments that are designed to protect your little furry friend from parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms.

The type of parasitic protection treatment your Doodle should receive depends on your vet’s advice. Your vet will likely recommend having your cuddly friend undergo deworming, which gets rid of possible parasitic worms in their body. 

Many vets will also recommend other forms of parasite protection like oral medications, vaccinations, and topical medicines to protect your furry friend from parasites.

Be sure to ask your vet whether your puppy can start taking SIMPERICA TRIO. Your cuddly friend only needs to take the pill once a month and it provides powerful protection against a multitude of parasites and other yucky pests. I think it’s a worthy idea for your Doodle!

6. Can you take your Mini Goldendoodle puppy out on walks?

The short answer is yes, but there are a couple of things you need to think about. Before you take your Doodle outside, make sure they have all of their vaccinations ready. 

This prevents them from getting infected with common diseases that make dogs very sick. Generally speaking, the best time to take your Doodle to the dog park is after they’re 17 weeks old (after their rabies shot) or when they’ve received all of their shots. 

Don’t just take my word for it. Consult with your veterinarian and get your wonderful fur baby on a vaccination schedule so that they’re fully protected before you take them to the dog park. 

Once your puppy has received all of its shots, you can take them out on walks at a dog park. Pick a dog park that is fenced or gated to prevent escapes. Use a leash that’s at least 5 feet long. Teach your Doodle the basic commands and socialize them.

For dog parks in your area, use websites such as Bring Fido. Now, Doodle puppies do not need strenuous forms of exercise. It’s better to take it one step at a time rather than rush your puppy through a power walk. Schedule 5 short minutes of a walk around the neighborhood or dog park. You can also split this into 2 small 5-minute walks.

Once your puppy is 6 months old, you can take them out for a longer 30-minute walk. Don’t push your puppy through it; make sure they’re up for the challenge.

Excessive exercise is dangerous to your puppy’s body since they’re growing. According to Martha Stewart’s blog, too much exercise causes damaged paws, stiff joints, and heat exhaustion. The moral of this section is…listen to your puppy (and your vet!). 

7. How often should you groom and bathe your Mini Goldendoodle?

Mini Goldendoodles are a hypoallergenic breed so you’ll never have to suffer through that pesky shedding season. However, Doodles are still high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. No matter how much they protest, your fluffy pooch needs to be bathed at least once a month.

Having a bath once a month keeps your Doodles coat healthy without stripping it of its healthy oils. Don’t be tempted to bathe your puppy too often as it can irritate their skin.

Of course, how often you bathe your Mini Doodle also depends on their beautiful genes. Is your Doodle more Poodle than Golden Retriever or vice versa? Is their fur wavy or curly (or somewhere in between)?

If your Mini Doodle has more Poodle genes (curly, wavy fur), then they do not need to be bathed as much as a Doodle that inherits more Golden Retriever genes (straight, lanky fur).

I highly suggest bathing and grooming your puppy when they reach 12 weeks of age. And make sure you pick a reputable groomer for their first grooming appointment.

Their first grooming appointment is their first experience of bathing, blow drying, nail clipping, and trimming. Having a great first experience helps your puppy relax into its grooming routine.

After their first grooming appointment, you should get your Doodle professionally bathed and groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. 

Please remember to avoid overbathing. Bathing your Doodle too much dies out their skin, leading to flaking and itching. It also strips the natural oils in their fur, which causes it to lose its gorgeous luster.

8. When should you potty train your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy?

Potty training is a big step in your Doodle’s development. And lucky for you, your Mini Doodle has already completed its first step to potty training with pee pads! I always start with the first step of potty training for each puppy before they go home with their new families.

But if you need to give your pup a refresher, make sure to do the following: 

• Feed the puppy on a specific schedule. This helps you know when your puppy is going to want to use the bathroom.
• Restrict your Mini Doodle to one room. Your puppy won’t grow a habit of sneaking off to do their business. 
• Use a crate or kennel. Crate training teaches your Doodle bladder and bowel control since it’s a place where they usually sleep.
• Take your puppy outside. All puppies are creatures of habit so you should take your puppy outside, whether on a leash or in your backyard, to go potty. Puppies around 8-12 weeks old) should be taken out to do their business every 1-2 hours. By 12-16 months of age, they can hold it in for up to 6 or 7 hours. 
• Train your puppy in the basic commands. Mini Doodles don’t understand human language but they’ll learn to associate the words with their bathroom break. They’ll know exactly what you mean when you say, “go poop” or “go pee”. 
• Don’t forget to reward your puppy for their good behavior. Doodles thrive with positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. 
• Do not scold or yell at your Mini Doodle. Your puppy will not learn anything if you scold, yell, or hit them. It’s better to give them rewards so that they know what behavior you want from them. 

Note: Most Mini Goldendoodle puppies have complete control of their bladder and bowel when they reach 12 to 16 months of age so this is usually the time for potty training.

9. Why does your Mini Goldendoodle puppy cry at night?

Crying is normal behavior for Doodles during their first night(s) at home with you. Your Doodle isn’t familiar with their new home yet and it takes time for them to build that trust. Even if they sleep cozy at night otherwise, they may cry, whine, or bark during those first few nights. 

Most puppies cry because they may feel their previous “dog pack” is abandoning them. Crying or whining is their way of attracting attention. In fact, according to Modern Dog Magazine, the first nights are always the toughest, writing “they will cry because they want company and reassurance, and/or they need a bathroom break.”’

If your Doodle resorts to crying at night, please be patient. It’s normal behavior for a small Doodle to have a reaction like that. It doesn’t mean they hate you or want to go back to their old home.

You can help your Doodle ease into your home and stop their nightly woes by: 

• Use crate training: Crate training establishes a cozy resting spot for your puppy to sleep in and relax. This makes it less likely that they’ll use the crate as a toilet.
• Ensure your Doodle is comfortable: Check that their bedding, blankets, and toys are placed inside their crate. Make sure their sleeping spot isn’t too hot or cold. 

• Have bathroom breaks before bed: Depending on your Doodle’s age, bathroom breaks can prevent accidents at night. Of course, if your puppy is young, it may not be able to hold in its bladder or bowels yet.
• Avoid rewarding your Doodle: Do not give treats or toys to your puppy when they’re crying. If you do, this will cause them to associate whining and crying with rewards so they’ll continue doing it.
• Comfort your Doodle puppy when necessary: Homesickness is tough for everyone. Give your cuddly puppy all the love and comfort they deserve. With time, this will help decrease their whining and crying habits.

10. Should you crate train your Mini Goldendoodle puppy?

Crate training is a great training tool for Mini Goldendoodles because it teaches them the rules of the house and potty training. Crates also give your adorable pooch a good resting spot and a safe place to put them in during emergency situations or trips.

It may seem like a lot of work than necessary, but trust me, crate training is worth it. Mini Goldendoodles love being in people’s personal space and having the spotlight on them. When you crate-train your pooch, you establish boundaries that help them interact with other people.

To crate-train your puppy, start with the following steps:

• Picking the right crate.

Think about the size and type of crate your Doodle is compatible with. Your puppy will grow between 14 and 17 inches tall. Their crate’s size should not be too big that your pooch will use the corner as a bathroom but not too small that they can’t lay down or stretch inside. 

• Choose the right spot to place your puppy’s crate in.

After you have a good crate that matches your Doodle’s needs, your next step is to pick the right spot to place it. You can place the crate upstairs or downstairs, in a corner, or in any area of your house that isn’t too hot or cold.

• Introduce your puppy to its crate.

Your Doodle will probably not like their crate the first time. That doesn’t mean you should give up! Slowly introduce your puppy to its crate. Let them have space to explore the inside and get used to it.

• Use a pillow or blanket and your puppy’s toys. 

The best way to get your puppy to warm up to its crate is to make it as cozy as possible. Your Doodle will feel most at home with their favorite things inside their crate. You can also use your puppy’s toy to coax them inside if they don’t want to go in at first.

• Feed your puppy while they’re inside its crate.

Use the crate to get your Doodle to eat. They’ll grow used to associating their crate with meal times. Of course, you need to do this daily so that your Doodle gets the hint. 

• Do not scold or force your Doodle to enter their crate.

Doing so will only scare them away. I suggest slowly easing your little rascal into it with toys or treats until they’re used to it. Avoid using their crate as a punishment tool. Again, this will scare them. You shouldn’t leave your Doodle inside its crate for too long, especially if they’re young. Otherwise, you’ll have a big mess to clean up!

11. Should you have a playpen for your Mini Goldendoodle?

Crates and playpens are amazing puppy products to have at home. These items keep your Doodle safe because it’s easier to supervise them.

Although many people use them interchangeably, playpens and crates are different from each other. 

Playpens provide your Mini Doodle with flexibility and freedom—perfect for your mischievous little rascal! They also come in a variety of different sizes and shapes for your puppy’s growing size. 

I highly recommend getting a playpen for your Doodle. There’s more room for your furry friend to play in and you’ll be able to watch them the whole time. 

To choose the best playpen:

• Check the materials it’s made with.

Your Doodle’s playpen should be made with durable, high-quality material that’s able to withstand a mischievous puppy biting it and playing. 

• Double-check your puppy’s size and habits.

How big is your puppy? Do they enjoy jumping or biting? Do they experience zoomies often? These are all important questions you should be asking yourself before you purchase a playpen. 

• Make sure it’s easy to set up and store away.

Setting up and putting away a playpen can be a hassle. However, some playpens are simple and easy to set up and fold away. Search for these types of playpens on your next shopping trip.

12. Should you get pet insurance for your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy?

Every Doodle parent should consider getting pet insurance. Even if you have enough funds and resources to cover vet bills now, pet insurance can prevent any unexpected vet costs for invasive treatments and procedures in the future. 

For me, it is always better to have peace of mind knowing that your adorable Mini Doodle is completely covered when they become sick or injured. 

13. When will your Mini Goldendoodle calm down?

Mini Goldendoodles are vibrant, energetic dogs that never let a moment pass them by. This breed is especially energetic during the first few months of life. As you get to know your Doodle over the next few months, you’ll notice how much they love being the center of attention and making friends with everyone they meet. 

They may also try to demand your attention, have intense periods of playtime, and follow you everywhere you go. 

If that sounds like your Doodle, don’t worry! It’s not going to last forever. Most Mini Doodle starts to “calm down” when they turn 1 year old. True to the breed’s famous reputation, they’ll always keep sparks of their lively, mischievous spirit. That’s why we love them, right?

The reason they start to calm down around the year-old mark is that they’re no longer puppies. Some Mini Goldendoodles take longer to mature (around a year and a half into adulthood) so it’s best to practice patience and love. 

To handle your Mini Doodle’s insatiable energy, try following these tips:

• Play a game of fetch outside or inside for short, quick sessions
• Take your Doodle for a brisk walk around your neighborhood
• Bring your puppy to a dog park or a playdate with other puppies
• Let children or family members play with your puppy (be sure to supervise)
• Teach your puppy the basic commands or how to perform new tricks

14. What products should you buy for your Mini Goldendoodle puppy?

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: being prepared is the first step to being a responsible dog owner. The better prepared you are for your Doodle’s homecoming, the easier it will be for your furry friend to transition to their new home.

The best way to be prepared is to buy the right products for your Mini Doodle. Every Mini Doodle is different and the products you purchase should be based on your fur-baby’s energy level, grooming needs, and training now.

Some of the products you’ll need to make your Doodle’s homecoming extra sweet are:

• Crates: Crates are an important product for your Doodle. From a sleeping spot to a training aid, crates help you raise your mischievous little friend so that they grow into well-behaved adult Doodles. 
• Beds: Beds give your puppy a cozy, comfy space to sleep and relax in after a day of fun! Beds designed for puppies come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. I recommend any bed that supports your Doodle’s head while they snooze away. 
• Dog bowls: Your Doodle needs to eat so why not go all out with a cute and stylish dog bowl? There are so many choices to pick from! There are plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic bowls of different shapes, sizes, and designs available online and in pet stores. 
• Toys: Toys are a great outlet for your Doodle to unleash their chompers on. No matter how hard they chew, a high-quality toy will never break apart. You can also choose a toy that tests your Doodle’s intelligence and relieves their teething pain at the same time!
• Blankets: Due to their young age and small bodies, Doodles are very sensitive to the cold. A cozy blanket gives your beautiful puppy that sweet comfort and love they’ll need from you.
• Pee pads: When you’re potty training your Doodle, accidents are bound to happen. Pee pads are your life savior in these situations. A high-quality pee pad absorbs your puppy’s messes, keeping your floor clean and pee-free!
• Leashes: Doodles are an active dog breed so you’ll need to take your puppy out frequently. A leash will help you keep your Doodle in control while you’re out and about. There are various types of leashes you can choose from but I always recommend leashes that are at least 5 feet in length.

To learn about every single product your Mini Doodle will need, check out our blog post, New Puppy Checklist: 19 Must-Have Items.

As one of the most adorable, loving, and friendly creatures on earth, Mini Goldendoodles are undeniably irresistible. Like with any other puppy, your Doodle will come with a set of challenges that may leave you wondering what to do next.

There’s no manual for raising your Mini Doodle puppy but in cases where you aren’t able to contact a vet or ClassyDoodles, you can look back to this blog post as your official guide! We hope these questions help prepare you to raise, train, and love your Doodle.